Chapter 104
I hesitated and finally decided to pretend I hadn’t seen the message.
I replied. [I haven’t had any free time lately, I’ve been busy doing paperwork for school award applications after school].
This is not a lie. I have been busy for over a month working on this award, which has a very important impact on my future.
Later that afternoon, as the final bell rang, Linda sauntered into school, making her entrance as though she were walking onto a stage.
Her outfit was more suited for a red carpet than a classroom, her makeup dramatic, with every hair perfectly styled.
A group
of students quickly gathered around her, their questions filled with awe and envy about her recent “big break.”
I rolled my eyes, gathering my things, hoping to slip out unnoticed. But Linda had other plans.
As if sensing my presence, she turned her gaze towards me, a self–satisfied smile stretching across
her face.
She approached, her eyes gleaming with a newfound arrogance.
“Sophia,” she called out, her voice sickeningly sweet. “I wanted to thank you.”
I didn’t respond, simply staring at her, wondering what angle she was working this time. She took
that as her cue to continue.
“Back at the campus party, when you… sabotaged my performance?” She made a sad face, as if recalling a tragic memory.
“Well, it ended up being a blessing in disguise! I was noticed by a theater director, and now, several more have reached out to me! Isn’t it funny how life works?” Her smile grew as she added,
When I make it big, I won’t forget the ‘care‘ you showed me, Sophia.”
As she spoke, Linda leaned forward, her arms outstretched, intending to embrace me in some faux
show of sisterhood.
Chapter 104
But I was done with her charade. With a sharp, icy stare, I stepped back, my voice calm and cold as I
said, “Get out of the way.”
The students around us watched, eyes wide with anticipation, like they were witnessing the beginning of some epic showdown.
Linda’s face flickered with surprise, and for just a moment, I was transported back to the memory of a similar confrontation.
In my past life, Linda had pulled the same stunt.
She had pretended to make amends, stepping forward with her arms open, and I, foolish and trusting, had reached out to hug her.
Just as our fingers brushed, her face had twisted with a malicious smile, and she whispered, “Sophia, you’re finished.”
Then, with an exaggerated tumble, Linda had thrown herself down the stairs, landing in a twisted heap at the bottom.
I still remembered the gasps, the murmurs, the way everyone had turned on me in an instant.
The lies she spun, the sympathy she garnered – it was all enough to ruin me, to drive me out of
chool
But this time, I was ready.
I watched Linda’s face, her attempt at an innocent smile, and all I could feel was a simmering determination.
No, I would not be fooled again.
Linda blinked, momentarily thrown off by my refusal
But ever the actress, she quickly recovered, letting out a soft, disappointed sigh. “It’s okay if you’re still holding a grudge, Sophia. I’ll just leave it at that,”
she said, her voice dripping with false humility. She turned to the watching crowd, offering them a pitiful look, as if I were the villain who’d refused her sincere attempt at peace.
The whispers started immediately.
I could hear the murmurs of disapproval, the judgment in their eyes as they took in Linda’s display.
D
He was to Linda?”
“She didn’t even give her a chance…”
But I didn’t care.
I had no intention of playing Linda’s games, and I wouldn’t let their judgment shake me.
With a steady hand, I shouldered my bag, moving through the crowd without a second glance.
Let them believe what they wanted. I had spent too much time caring about their opinions in the past.
Linda watched me leave, her eyes narrowing with frustration as her carefully laid plan failed to elicit the reaction she’d hoped for.
I could feel her glare boring into my back, but I didn’t turn around. Not this time.
In this life, Linda’s traps would no longer ensnare me.
“Sophia?”
The voice was soft, almost pleading, but I didn’t move an inch. Linda’s smile wavered as she stood here, arms slightly outstretched. She tried again, her voice gentle but slightly forced. “Won’t you give me a hug?”
She took a step toward me, closing the space between us. I barely blinked, feeling the eyes of the entire room fixed on us, anticipating my next move.
But without a word, I sidestepped, smoothly moving around her and walking on, keeping a careful distance.
The small crowd of students watching seemed to gasp as one, taking in the way I avoided her outstretched arms, as if I were avoiding something unclean.
I kept my chin up, moving away with quiet dignity, ignoring the whispers growing louder around us.
Mia, one of Linda’s loyal friends, piped up, her tone sharp with annoyance.
Sophia, don’t be so rude! Linda’s going to be famous one day, and she’s making the first move to reconcile with you. I
that worth something?”
I paused and looked back over my shoulder, meeting Mia’s glare with a cool expression. “Oh?” My voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
